Campaign targets handlers of stolen goods

A campaign has been launched that urges people to protect their neighbourhoods by telling Crimestoppers who in their area buys stolen goods.

People who buy or move stolen goods are known as handlers and police believe these are the key to fuelling theft and similar crime.

In conjunction with Crimestoppers, Derbyshire police have launched a campaign in the Derbyshire Dales and High Peak to highlight the consequences of having handlers in your neighbourhood.

The aim is to advise members of the public about the dangers of buying stolen goods and how detrimental that can be to themselves and their neighbourhood.

Sergeant Steve Johnson, who is spearheading the campaign, said: “If you are offered a laptop or a power tool, for example, then somewhere out there is a victim of a burglary or theft.

“Thieves operate in a safe market with a network of friends or acquaintances they can sell to. Not only are the handlers profiting, but they are causing thieves and drug users to frequent our neighbourhoods.”

If you know of anyone who sells or buys stolen goods, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Calls are completely anonymous.